I tried to book an Alaska Cruise today with Holland America but there was NO confirmable First Seating (traditional dining) until late August according to Holland America's telephone reservations. Personally, I don't like having to make dining reservations daily or wait in line for a table - so I didn't book the cruise. Underneath all the "hype" on flexible dining - I personally think it's a cost cutting measure to cut back on traditional dining costs. I go on a cruise so I don't have to worry about stuff like this and the cruise lines should ensure that options other than flexible dining - are really available.